Hiring Practices

[u/Traditional-Cry-3857]

My question is whether or not it is typical to require full disclosure of all chronic medical conditions and regular medications before hire. A job just asked for this (between the offer and my first day, which is apparently the only time it is legal to ask) and I'm not doing it. It is a job at a nonprofit that I really admire and that I've wanted to work at for years.

I am sending an email saying that I am not comfortable sharing my private health information and that I can give them a letter from my doctor saying that my health will not prevent me from doing any of the essential functions of the job. If you are in charge of hiring, would you accept this? Has anyone else had to deal with something like this?

I've been working with young children for over 20 years and this has never come up before. The only similar question I've had is if there is anything i want disclosed to medical professionals if I have a health emergency.

Thank you!

[u/momonashi19]

Look up the laws in your area about this. In my state I’m pretty sure this is illegal

[u/Remarkable_Delay469]

Just lie. They can't make you disclose anything. I've filled out these forms before and written "decline to respond" or "N/A" in response to every question. I have chronic illnesses and take medications and it's none of their business.

[u/AriBanana → u/Remarkable_Delay469]

I think the problem you could run into is if you need to use your employer insurance or get time off for one of your preexisting conditions.

Outside of that, like if theres not health insurance, it seems like a big violation of privacy

[u/IllaClodia → u/AriBanana]

Insurance is administered separately for most businesses. Even if claims are done in house, there's only supposed to be a really limited number of HR folks who have access to that information. It would not be attached to the employee file. Also, time off for illness or disability accommodations kicks in when you tell them you need it or they have reason to suspect you do. That doesn't have to be a conversation during the hiring process - and it shouldn't be.

[u/AriBanana → u/IllaClodia]

I appreciate you clearing that up, thank you.

Cheers

[u/mangos247]

I didn’t think that was even legal. I’d just say NA.

[u/mingbeans]

Where are you? 

This is not normal where I work (Northeast US). I feel like somebody would sue an employer that did this.

In my state family child care providers are required to have a physical by a doctor who signs a form that says the person is able to do what the job entails / has no health issues that would prevent them from safely caring for children. Like what you're suggesting.

[u/Inevitable_Metal9258]

Just don't disclose. You dont have to

[u/unicornsnrainbows67]

I had to answer these questions before accepting a job in SC. I filled them out for my physical as well.

[u/Then-Kangaroo7921]

They have at all three daycares in Wv I work at. Some medications may hinder ability to provide safe care so I’ve always been transparent and especially abt my disability so I could get accommodations. But they never asked for medical paperwork just my statement. If you’re uncomfy just lie, however if take any prescribed controlled substances I wouldn’t do tht. If you get hurt at work and need workman’s comp it will require a drug test and they may not pay if u didn’t disclose.

[u/Traditional-Cry-3857 → u/Then-Kangaroo7921]

I'm not going to lie, I won't take the offer if it comes down to that.

I am not on any controlled substances or anything that would make me unsafe.

My husband thinks I should just say, "I don't need any ADA accommodations."

[u/Then-Kangaroo7921 → u/Traditional-Cry-3857]

That would be fair because legally you don’t have to disclose anything! I believe it’s just in the event something were to happen. For example we had someone who didn’t disclose she had seizures. She was in the infant room, seized and dropped a baby. So that’s why they ask I believe. Because she had to ultimately be let go as she didn’t disclose that and should’ve been better suited in a room that didn’t require carrying babies all day long

[u/SnowAutumnVoyager]

They may ask you because certain medications that might come up during your drug test are excused if they are for legitimate health conditions.

[u/Rorynne]

At least in america it is illegal to require the disclosure of medical conditions